Nest

She looks so happy standing there next to him. Her smile only hinted at her happiness and made my eyes brim over with tears. She held her bouquet tightly as she looked into his eyes, hanging on his every word, as he told her his vowels.

I remember when she used to hang onto my every word as she held that ratty doll I gave her. I even remember the time when she looked only at me with such fierce love and conviction, and when she stood by my side. But now I am not the only man who gets that privilege. Now I will get those moments on occasion and he will get them for the rest of her life.

I guess what brings me to tears the most is that he can fulfill all of her most intimate desires and needs and that I never could. Here she is, my baby girl, all grown up and getting married to a guy who will probably come to mean more to her than I ever could.

Supposedly that is to be expected, but still . . . my baby girl all grown up and going to life with another man. It scares me to death, and I can only hope that I have given her more than enough tools to survive without me. Now as I look at her standing up there, I feel a little better.

If you can hear me darling, I just wanted to tell you that I will never let you go and I’ll stand up with you forever; I will never let you fall until I am done forever. I love you and so does he; but I loved you from the moment you were formed and I will continue loving you until the day I die.

You are all grown up now, Lizzy, and I am happy that he will treat you right, but just in case he does not, I’m still here for you. Grow up and fly, but don’t forget to visit your nest.